Founded in 1768, Charlotte, North Carolina was named for Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, queen consort of the British monarch, King George III. Today, the “Queen City,” as it’s known, is the largest city in North Carolina, boasting a population of 872,506 people with a total of 2.57 million living in the entire metropolitan area. With an average temperature of 61.5 degrees fahrenheit, a rich history going back to the American Revolution, and a bustling population of diverse and friendly people, Charlotte is a desirable location with a booming population.
When moving to a new city, there are a lot of factors to consider before deciding where to live. The commute to work, the safety of the neighborhood, the proximity to nightlife. If you have kids, you worry about the schools. If you’re a student, you’ll want to be close to campus in a safe, affordable area. And if you’re retired, you may want a quiet area with access to amenities that fit your lifestyle. If you’re planning to find your next home in Charlotte, you’ll want to take a look at our guide of the top-rated neighborhoods in Charlotte to see which one will fit your needs.
The Best Charlotte Neighborhoods
With a booming financial industry, as well as many openings in the science and tech sectors, Charlotte is a city of opportunity. It’s no wonder people are flocking here. From downtown living, to suburban neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone. Check out our guide to see which Charlotte neighborhood is right for you!
Uptown – Downtown Living Perfect for Young Professionals
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- Population: 12,373
- Median Home Price: $317,600
- Great for: Professionals, couples, single adults
With towering skyscrapers filling the sky and a bustling financial district, Uptown or Center City is the closest Charlotte neighborhood to downtown and is the heart of the city. It’s also the closest neighborhood near the airport. Uptown has just about everything, from a rich nightlife with upscale restaurants and bars to arenas like the Spectrum Center where you can see concerts and sporting events. Go shopping at EpiCentre, an outdoor mall with cool hangout spots, delicious food, and luxurious accommodations. For the culturally minded, Uptown has its fill of museums, from the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture to the Mint Museum. As far as housing goes, Uptown has a mix of high-end and affordable options, from tree-lined streets to high-rise apartment buildings. You’ll be sure to find exactly what you need in Uptown!
SouthPark – The Safest Charlotte Neighborhood
- Population: 16,549
- Median Home Price: $519,000
- Great for: Professionals and families
Known as the safest neighborhood in all of Charlotte, SouthPark has a ton to offer its residents. With a crime rate that’s 33% lower than Downtown, you can count on your family being safe. South Park is also home to the largest mall in North Carolina and draws many visitors every year for the upscale shopping and dining. This is a fairly affluent area with homes much more expensive than surrounding neighborhoods in Charlotte. It’s home to many recognizable businesses, like Nucor and Coca-Cola Bottling Co, which draws a lot of people for the employment opportunities. Filled with families on larger lots with plenty of kids, if you want a city feel with a suburb mix, SouthPark is the perfect Charlotte neighborhood.
Ballantyne – Affordable Charlotte Neighborhood For Families
- Population: 72,132
- Median Home Price: $374,100
- Great for: Families, established professionals
One of the newer neighborhoods on this list, Ballantyne is a booming area with a mix of city sights and suburban curb appeal. As a major hub for companies from Liberty Mutual to Campbell Snacks, job opportunities abound. Foodies will appreciate the number of food trucks that circulate in the area, as well as local restaurants such as Brixx Wood Fired Pizza. Shopping centers like Ballantyne Village and Ballantyne Corners offer boutiques, restaurants, and shops. For nature lovers, the Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway, McMullen Creek Greenway & Four Mile Creek Greenway offers a network of paved pathways to explore on foot or by bike. Parents will be happy to hear that the schools in Ballantyne are highly-rated, making this a great Charlotte suburb for kids.
University City – Best Charlotte Neighborhood for Students
- Population: 43,209
- Median Home Price: $185,600
- Great for: University students
Although it has the word “city” in its name, University City is actually just a distinct neighborhood community in Charlotte, named for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. With a college-town spirit and proximity to Uptown, University City might just be the perfect Charlotte neighborhood for you. Forested greenways make for perfect outdoor excursions, while entertainment from the university, such as sports and theater performances, means there’s always something to do. If you’re a beer lover, Flying Saucer Draught Emporium is the perfect place to hangout for trivia nights while trying craft beers. For more tame entertainment, the Historic Rosedale offers pristine grounds and lush gardens. In the fall, the Shoppes at University Place hosts a farmer’s market with local produce and artisanal products. Because it’s a college town, apartments and rentals abound, but single-family housing and custom-built homes are also available.
NoDa – Best Gay-Friendly Charlotte Community for Young Single Adults
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- Population: 48,798
- Median Home Price: $278,000
- Great for: Hipsters
If you’re looking for a hipster paradise, look no further than NoDa. The artsy neighborhood is known for its commitment to eco-friendly living, diversity, and small businesses. The walls of several businesses are painted with bright murals by local artists. Once a mill town, NoDa has become a haven for up-and-coming musicians and artists. It’s one of the most walkable communities in Charlotte, with easy access to the Lynx Blue Line. For the best craft beers, you can visit NoDa Brewing Company. The NoDa Company store is an eclectic mix of pub and art gallery. Or if you’re looking for Southern comfort food, visit Haberdish, famous for its chicken and waffles served only on Sundays.
Myers Park – Affluent Charlotte Neighborhood Best For Families
- Population: 12,367
- Median Home Price: $488,600
- Great for: Established professionals and families
Founded in 1911, Myers Park is a master-planned community with a variety of Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival homes. Curving streets and mature trees make this neighborhood one of the most beautiful in Charlotte. That, of course, comes with a higher price tag than some of the other neighborhoods on this list. If you’re looking for a serene place to spend time outdoors, check out Freedom Park, a 98-acre greenspace with walking paths and picnic shelters. Although primarily a residential area, Myers Park abounds with quaint shops like Monkee’s of Charlotte, an upscale boutique with women’s clothing and accessories, or KK Bloom Boutique. For fine dining, visit Stagioni’s, an Italian restaurant with history as rich as the neighborhood itself.
Cherry – Historic Black Neighborhood in Charlotte
- Population: 1,347
- Median Home Price: $721,600
- Great for: Families
If you’re looking for a suburban feel with easy access to the city, Cherry might just be the family-friendly neighborhood in Charlotte for you. As one of Charlotte’s earliest suburbs, Cherry was developed for black families trying to get away from crowded housing in the city center. Unlike other predominantly black neighborhoods, many of the original buildings still stand after surviving urban renewal efforts. Landmarks such as Mouth Zion Lutheran Church and the Morgan School are sprinkled through the neighborhood, an ode to its history. Today, the area is experiencing a resurgence as older homes are bought and remodeled. Cherry is a quiet neighborhood, zoned almost primarily for single family homes, but its proximity to Uptown makes it a prime location if you want access to city amenities.
Plaza Midwood – Walkable Charlotte Neighborhood for Families
- Population: 48,798
- Median Home Price: $278,000
- Great for: Families, working professionals
Considered one of the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods of Charlotte, Plaza Midwood is an eclectic neighborhood with everything from historic homes to breweries and graffiti-covered consignment shops. The population of Plaza Midwood is extremely diverse, just as diverse as the many boutiques and shops that dot the area. Moxie Mercantile is a popular gift shop that sells products made by local artists. The highly-popular Veterans Memorial Park offers 19 acres of greenspace, trails, playgrounds, tennis courts and more. For traditional Southern food, Midwood Smokehouse offers mouth-watering BBQ you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for a fun, close-knit neighborhood, Plaza Midwood might just be the perfect place to call home.
Charlotte Neighborhoods to Avoid
Charlotte is a charming city with booming growth and a bounty of job opportunities, but as with any city, some neighborhoods are more dangerous than others. These Charlotte neighborhoods are some of the most dangerous areas in the city.
- Pinecrest: 479% more crime than the rest of Charlotte
- Lincoln Heights: 406% more crime than the rest of Charlotte
- Tryon Hills: 352% more crime than the rest of Charlotte
- Grier Heights: 329% more crime than the rest of Charlotte
Neighborhoods in Charlotte Map
Do any of these neighborhoods seem like the perfect place for your next home? We’re here to help simplify the moving process for you. Call our top-rated Charlotte moving company Make A Move at 704-378-8588 today for a free quote. We’ll make your move an easy, painless experience.
